Christopher James Kelly

Christopher James Kelly, age 74, passed away May 28, 2024. He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, December 7, 1949, the 5th of 6 children of the late Alan and Alma (Nee: Bailey) Kelly.

Chris graduated from St. Paul Collegiate “Class of 1968” and furthered his education earning his Diploma in Agriculture from the University of Manitoba in 1970 and a Communication Degree from Concordia in 1995. Chris worked in several agricultural related jobs until he accepted employment with International Harvester. Two years after the agricultural division of International Harvester merged with J. I. Case Co, he was transferred to the United States and moved to Racine in September of 1987. Chris worked for Case Co for 28 years, retiring in 2007.

Chris was a member of Faithbridge Methodist Church, J.I. Case Twenty Year Club, and the Racine Curling Club. He was a passionate supporter of the Children’s Home of Haiti and made many trips there as a volunteer. He enjoyed airplanes, motorcycles, boats, golf, and traveling. Later in life he received his private pilot’s license and enjoyed trips around the area. Chris always had a knack for fixing things and after retirement started his own business, Grandpa Fix-it. Above all Chris treasured time spent with family and friends. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who will be dearly missed.

Surviving, are his wife of 52 years, Diane; daughters, Carla (Scott) Kelly Anderson, Robyn (Nicolas) Schertz, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

A memorial service will be held at Faithbridge Church, 10402 Northwestern Avenue, Franksville, WI on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, with Rev. Dr. Dave Blackmer officiating. Family visitation will be at 2pm followed by a celebration of life service at 3pm. Relatives and friends are invited to meet after the service at The Ivanhoe Pub and Eatery.

The service will be live-streamed and may be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/live/GDcpZwzfo7k

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Children’s Home of Haiti https://www.mabohomehaiti.org/ or the American Brain Foundation. https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Azura Oak Creek and St. Croix Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.